Power Couple host
Power Couple hostVarinder Chawla

Malaika Arora Khan and Arbaaz Khan have confirmed to a leading daily that they have separated. The celebrity couple issued a joint statement to dna AfterHrs confirming their separation.

"We have maintained a dignified silence till now but it is causing us too much confusion and is disturbing for our families. To put all of the speculation to rest, we are giving out this statement. People claiming to be our friends and sources have been speaking on our behalf giving out wrong, malicious information. They have maligned us for long and we have kept quiet and not said a word as it's a personal matter between us. We have got a child and our families are involved, but just because we have not said anything till now, it doesn't give anybody the license to speculate on any rubbish about us," the couple said.

Malaika and Arbaaz maintained that they have taken a break, but there is no truth to the fact that a third person is involved or Arbaaz is not able to financially support her. The couple also clarified that they have not approached any lawyer.

"We are not separated because of a third random person, like there were stories of a friendship between a businessman and Malaika. Nor was it about his family disapproving of her lifestyle, nor does she feel that her husband is not financially stable. She is not crying on her brother-in-law Salman's shoulders, asking him to help. They are our family, so please don't talk about them like that. We deeply respect each other's families. We want to put to rest all these articles, which are complete rubbish. Till then, please respect our privacy and do not drag our respective families and our child into it."

Calling all the reports baseless, the couple urged the media to stop speculating. Malaika and Arbaaz also said that it's a tough time for them and they will talk about the issue when they are ready.

"We have and hold immense respect for each other and hold each other in the highest regard. Ultimately we will do what's best for our child, us and our family. Please understand what we are going through. We urge the media not to speculate and kindly do not believe whoever your said sources are, unless you hear from the people concerned."